Ukiaq, the Pacific walrus calf that was found orphaned and abandoned on the beaches of Utqiagvik in July and subsequently taken in by Seward’s Alaska SeaLife Center for care and rehabilitation, arrived at her new long-term home at SeaWorld Orlando on Sept. 18.
According to a Sept. 25 press release from the center, Ukiaq was deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after her rescue. SeaWorld Orlando was chosen as her new home because of their staff’s experience with walrus care, and their walrus herd — which includes a female walrus capable of acting as a surrogate — allows for “the best nurturing environment for her overall care and development.”
SeaWorld professionals familiar with walrus care also provided additional medical support to the SeaLife Center in the immediate aftermath of Ukiaq’s rescue.
After receiving lifesaving rehabilitative care from the SeaLife Center, Ukiaq now weighs approximately 220 pounds and is receiving continued specialized, round-the-clock care at SeaWorld Orlando. According to the release, SeaWorld’s animal care specialists are working closely with veterinarians to ensure Ukiaq’s needs continue to be met, including a “carefully crafted” feeding plan and ongoing medical evaluations.
Ukiaq will not be introduced to SeaWorld Orlando’s guest-facing habitats immediately.
“We want to give her time to settle into her new home, and once she’s ready, guests will have the unique opportunity to meet this extraordinary calf and learn more about our conservation efforts in the Arctic region,” Dr. Joseph Gaspard, vice president of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando, said in the release.
“Ukiaq” translates to “autumn” in the Iñupiaq language.
“Ukiaq — or Uki (pronounced “oo-kee”) as she is affectionately being called — brings the Alaskan spirit with her to Orlando, honoring the rich culture and traditions of the Alaskan Native peoples,” the release states.
For further updates, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter/.
Ukiaq, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf, was rescued in Utqiagvik, Alaska in July 2024. Photo by the Alaska SeaLife Center
